Sensational Nigerian artist, Armstrong  Agoreyo, has clinched the Banks Mill Arts Enterprise Award sponsored by the University of Derby’s flagship arts studio in the United Kingdom.

He emerged winner of the highly coveted prize as a collection of his artwork was exhibited at the 2024 MA Arts (Fine Art & Photography) Degree Show of the University of Derby.

The exhibition tagged “Alignments” was opened to the public from Thursday,Sept. 12 to Monday, Sept. 30, and offered opportunity  for art enthusiasts   to know about each artist’s creativity and the inspiration  behind their work.

Agoreyo’s masterpiece, “Essence of Sustenance”, was featured alongside the work of other five students at Artcore Gallery in the city centre of Derby.

The award-winning “Essence of Sustenance” explores the profound connection between humanity and nature, emphasising their mutual dependence.

The imagery represents the essential life force that nature provides, suggesting that human vitality is inextricably linked to the health and balance of the natural world.

The artwork further invites viewers to reflect on the organic relationship between man and nature, highlighting the fragile equilibrium that sustains life.

It  amplifies the intertwining of the human hand with the tree roots signifying  the life-giving connection that binds all living beings to the earth.

The masterpiece  challenges the viewer to consider the consequences of disrupting this balance, urging a deeper understanding of the environmental stewardship necessary for our collective survival.

Through its evocative imagery, “Essence of Sustenance” calls for a renewed appreciation of nature’s role in sustaining life and emphasises the need for a harmonious coexistence with the earth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agoreyo is  acclaimed for his endearing style  of exploring  paper collage paintings, including  drawings and  wall installations to resonate the relationship between humanity and nature.

He had his first degree from the University of Benin, where he majored in Fine Art and he is currently undertaking his Masters in Arts (Fine Arts) at the University of Derby in the United Kingdom.

Having started his journey to creative prowess at a very young age, Agoreyo’s  artworks have been  showcased in major exhibitions  across Nigeria and parts of Africa,  including the Spanish Embassy Art Exhibition/Contest (2013).

Others are Life in My City Art Festival (2013/2014), Igue Festival Art exhibition (2012, 2013), and the National Gallery of Art exhibition/contest (2011).

His  work  have prominently featured in notable exhibitions including the recently held  ”Sensory Expressions”, a virtual group art exhibition at  the  prestigious Arteom Gallery in Poland.

Within the first half of 2024, Agoreyo’s artworks have also been showcased in some major exhibitions across Europe, including the Biennale Artbox Expo at the prestigious  Cipriarte Venezia Gallery in Venice, Italy.

Others include the Group Art Exhibition at the Thompson Gallery, Switzerland, as well as a participation at the Art Boxy group art exhibition in Andakulova Gallery, United Arabic Emirates.

NAN reports that the Banks Mill Arts Enterprise Award aims to support one emerging artist by offering both a platform for their work and tools, for their business.

The  winner gets to display their artwork at the annual Open Studios in November and have a solo exhibition in the Banks Mill foyer

The winner also receives business mentoring through the Enterprise toolkit, a membership with the East Midlands Chamber, and two months of studio space at Banks Mill.

Nigerian music superstar Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has reignited his long-standing rivalry with fellow singer David Adeleke, also known as Davido, sparking a fresh wave of drama on social media.

The tension began on Tuesday after Davido teased a snippet of his first single for 2024. Coincidentally, Wizkid had planned to release the first track from his highly anticipated “Morayo” album on the same day.

Fueling the brewing tension, Davido’s associate, Kayode Yajaur, better known as Black Tycoone, took a swipe at Wizkid, saying, “Tell your Daddy to drop an album already.”

Wizkid quickly fired back on Twitter without directly naming Davido, tweeting, “P***y boys dropping mid again,” followed by, “Una don tire! Make una go rest small!”

A Davido fan, assuming the tweet was aimed at Davido, responded, “So if you no beef @davido, your song won’t sell?” Wizkid did not hold back, replying, “I don’t beef wack niggas! We all know he’s wack! No talent!”

Wizkid’s comments were seen as a direct attack on Davido’s artistry, dismissing his craft as “trash.” Despite the heated exchanges, Davido has remained silent, offering no response to the remarks.

Fans of both artists have since flooded social media with divided opinions, keeping the rivalry alive.

The Federal Government has approved a licensing waiver for investors wishing to establish cottage or community cinemas in Nigeria.

Dr. Husseini Shaibu, Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to the NFVCB boss, the waiver approval was in line with the agenda of Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, to provide incentives needed to encourage investment in the creative industry.

He added that the gesture would improve revenue generation for the government and the filmmakers, and as well create jobs for youths across the country.

Husseini said the waiver approval was also in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of presenting a level playing field for investors and ensuring ease of doing business.

“The decision to grant a licensing waiver would have a huge multiplier effect in the bottom rung of the cinema exhibitor pyramid.

“This and other incentives the Minister has promised will, no doubt, fuel the expansion of cinema screens and promote wider screening of Nollywood films at the local box office.

“The board has granted a provisional approval to an investor to test run a community cinema project for a period of twelve months, following an approval by the Minister,

“With favorable results of that experience, the Board has to make recommendations to the minister to grant waivers to stakeholders to open up the film exhibition space, especially for local content,” he said.

The NFVCB helmsman said he had urged stakeholders to consider the establishment of community cinemas to bring cinemagoers in local communities, towns, and villages back to the big screen.

He cited instances in other climes like India, where there are community cinemas standing side by side with the sophisticated and large cinemas.

According to him, operators of community cinemas can collaborate with established cinema owners to bring a distinct cinematic experience to cinema enthusiasts.

Husseini hinted that the board had also sent a proposal to the minister for a reduction in the exhibition and distribution license fees payable by operators to further open up the business space.

He described these policies as smart strategic decisions to reignite and stimulate investment in the creative sector.

He restated NFVCB’s commitment towards engaging filmmakers and content creators on the need for them to submit their films and video works for classification before exhibition either on the traditional or digital platforms.

According to him, the board recently held stakeholders a meeting with stakeholders in Lafia, Nassarawa state as part of its ongoing efforts to have a strong and united film industry.

“One of the reforms that the board has already started implementing is the reduction in classification time for film and video works.

“We have already reduced duration/ comeback time for film classification to a maximum of 48 hours for full feature films and same-day classification for dramatised short content (skits) and musical videos.

“We have also introduced online submissions to make things easier for filmmakers and content creators,” he said.